probably another form of βιάζω; to squeeze, i.e. seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture)):--apprehend, catch, lay hand on, take. Compare πιέζω.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term πιάζω (piázō, `{{G4084}}`) carries a primary meaning related to the application of pressure or "squeezing," from which its broader semantic range of "seizing" or "apprehending" derives. The base definition suggests a connection to βιάζω (biázō, `{{G979}}`), which implies force or compulsion, though πιάζω itself can encompass a spectrum of actions. Its various uses illustrate this range:
1. **Gentle Grasp:** To take hold of someone gently, as by the hand, implying a non-violent or even tender grasp.
2. **Official Arrest:** To apprehend someone legally or by authority, often with the implication of force or restraint. This is a common usage in the Gospels concerning attempts to seize Jesus.
3. **Capture (Hunting/Fishing):** To ensnare or catch an animal, fish, or object, often implying skill, cunning, or the successful outcome of a pursuit.
The comparison to πιέζω (piézō, `{{G4083}}`), "to press down" or "oppress," further highlights the underlying concept of applying pressure, but πιάζω focuses on the *result* of that pressure in the act of taking hold.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of πιάζω in the New Testament illuminate its varied applications and theological significance:
* **Attempts to Seize Jesus:** A prominent use of πιάζω is found in the Gospel of John, where it describes repeated attempts by the Jewish authorities and their agents to "seize" or "arrest" Jesus. Examples include [[John 7:30]], [[John 7:44]], [[John 8:20]], [[John 10:39]], and [[John 11:57]]. In these contexts, the word emphasizes the hostile intent of those seeking to apprehend Him. Significantly, these attempts often fail because "His hour had not yet come," underscoring divine sovereignty over human machinations. The eventual "seizing" of Jesus in Gethsemane (not using this specific word, but the event it describes) occurs only when He willingly submits to it, fulfilling the Father's will.
* **Arrest of Peter:** In [[Acts 12:4]], Herod Agrippa "seized" (arrested) Peter, intending to bring him before the people. This use aligns with the official, authoritative apprehension sense.
* **Catching Fish:** The word is used literally for the act of "catching" fish by the disciples in [[John 21:3]] and [[John 21:10]]. This highlights a practical, everyday application of the term, grounding the miraculous post-resurrection appearance in a familiar activity.
* **Metaphorical Capture:** In [[2 Corinthians 11:20]], Paul uses πιάζω metaphorically to describe false apostles who "take you captive" or "enslave you," implying exploitation and control over believers. This expands the semantic range to include a spiritual or relational form of apprehension.
* **Divine Judgment:** A powerful use of πιάζω appears in [[Revelation 19:20]], where the beast and the false prophet are "seized" (captured) and cast into the lake of fire. Here, the word conveys the absolute and inescapable nature of divine judgment, a forceful apprehension leading to definitive consequence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of "seizing" or "taking hold" includes several other Greek terms, each with nuanced distinctions:
* **βιάζω (biázō, `{{G979}}`):** To force, press, or do violence. As noted in the lemma, πιάζω is possibly a form of this word, suggesting an underlying connection to force.
* **πιέζω (piézō, `{{G4083}}`):** To press down, oppress, or burden. While sharing the root concept of "pressure" with πιάζω, πιέζω emphasizes the act of pressing itself, whereas πιάζω focuses on the successful outcome of taking hold.
* **κρατέω (krateō, `{{G2902}}`):** To grasp, hold fast, take possession of, or exercise authority. This term often implies a firm, sustained hold, or the exercise of power.
* **συλλαμβάνω (syllambanō, `{{G4815}}`):** To seize, arrest, or conceive. This word is frequently used for the act of arresting someone.
* Compared to these, πιάζω often denotes a direct, sometimes sudden, physical act of taking hold, whether for gentle guidance, hostile arrest, or successful capture, emphasizing the immediate action of "getting a grip" on someone or something.
### Theological Significance
The various uses of πιάζω offer rich theological insights:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Futility:** In John's Gospel, the repeated failures of the authorities to "seize" Jesus (e.g., [[John 7:30]], [[John 8:20]]) powerfully illustrate the sovereignty of God over human will and timing. Jesus's life and ministry were not subject to human machinations but unfolded according to the Father's predetermined plan. His eventual capture was not a defeat but a deliberate act of self-surrender to fulfill prophecy and accomplish redemption.
* **The Nature of Judgment:** The use of πιάζω in [[Revelation 19:20]] for the capture of the beast and false prophet signifies the definitive and inescapable nature of God's final judgment. It is an act of divine power that ensures the ultimate defeat and confinement of evil, demonstrating God's absolute control over all creation and destiny.
* **Mission and Discipleship:** While not directly used for "catching men" in the Great Commission, the literal use of πιάζω for "catching fish" ([[John 21:3]], [[John 21:10]]) provides a tangible parallel to the disciples' future work. Just as they were skilled in catching fish, they would be called to "catch" people for the Kingdom, though the spiritual dimension of this task far transcends the physical act.
* **Vulnerability and Trust:** The instances where Jesus is the object of "seizing" highlight His willingness to enter human vulnerability, ultimately submitting to the forces that would lead to His crucifixion, all in perfect trust of His Father's will.
### Summary
The Greek word πιάζω (piázō, `{{G4084}}`) fundamentally signifies the act of seizing, apprehending, or catching, derived from a core sense of "squeezing" or applying pressure. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing gentle grasping, official arrest, and the capture of prey. In the New Testament, particularly in John's Gospel, it frequently describes the futile attempts by human authorities to "seize" Jesus, thereby underscoring the inviolable nature of divine sovereignty and timing. It also appears in contexts of literal fishing and, most significantly, in Revelation, where it depicts the ultimate and inescapable capture of evil for divine judgment. Thus, πιάζω carries profound theological weight, illustrating themes of divine control, human intent, and the ultimate outworking of God's redemptive and judicial purposes.
TRV